Audio in E-Learning





Integration of Audio into E-Learning
Learners have separate ways of processing visual information and auditory information. When text is used along with audio, it facilitates deeper content processing by offering a student the opportunity to process information visually and then again as the content is being heard. When implemented correctly, audio and text enhance the learning experience. When implemented incorrectly, it hinders the learners ability to process information.

Text with audio is best utilized in environments where there are concurrent graphics presented, directions are presented on the same screen as an exercise and when animation is used to express instructional content. “…findings through a variety of research studies found that students with multimedia messages tend to learn more with spoken text over printed text” (Veronikas & Maushak, pg. 200, 2005).

How Effective is Audio in E-Learning?When graphics and audio are relevant to one another and synchronized it helps avoid cognitive overload. Animations and audio that are synchronized assist in the avoidance of cognitive over load as well.
Cognitive Overload- When the brain is taking in too much information in the same format from multiple sources. (i.e.- reading text and seeing a graphic that are not directly connected)

(Clark & Mayer 2008)

What Technologies are Available for Audio in E-Learning?
iPhone iPod PDAs Podcasts Microphones Text toSpeech Software MP3 iPad




Why Use Audio Technology in E-Learning?
Differentiation, Convience and Reachability
(Keh-Wen, 2009)


Reference:

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2008). E-learning and the science of instruction. Proven guidelines for consumer and designers of multimedia learning, second edition. Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.

Keh-Wen "Carin", C. (2009). Mobile Technologies Enhance The E-Learning Opportunity. American Journal of Business Education, 2(9), 49-54. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.